UPDATE: Pool-cue assault leaves TRU student in critical condition
The passport of a Thompson Rivers University international student from Saudi Arabia has been seized after an assault on the weekend at a downtown Kamloops nightclub that left another man in hospital with severe brain trauma.
Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Grant Learned said emergency crews were called to Cactus Jack’s at about 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, after a man was assaulted with a pool cue.
Investigators believe two friends — both TRU international students from Saudi Arabia, one 28 and the other 25 — were playing pool inside the nightclub when they had a disagreement.
Learned said the 28-year-old punched his 25-year-old friend, who retaliated with a pool cue.
“The pool cue penetrated his [the 28-year-old’s] eye and went through his eye socket and penetrated his brain,” Learned said.
The 28-year-old victim underwent emergency surgery at Royal Inland Hospital to relieve swelling on his brain.
Learned said he suffered severe brain trauma and remains in critical but stable condition.
The Kamloops RCMP’s major-crimes unit is now investigating.
The 25-year-old, who is facing one count of aggravated assault, was arrested and released on a $10,000 surety the following day after a bail hearing before a justice of the peace.
Learned said he was ordered to surrender his passport and barred from leaving B.C. until his charge is dealt with.
The accused has been a student at TRU since 2009.
According to Learned, the victim’s family has been notified of the incident.
Police are still looking to speak with anyone who saw the incident. Witnesses are asked to call Kamloops Mounties at 250-828-3000.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.